KUCHING: A crocodile sanctuary is being planned for the Kuching Wetlands National Park (KWNP).
Director of forests Sapuan Ahmad said the plan, which is awaiting government approval, will offer opportunities for ecotourism, conservation, research and education.
“We are looking at the concept of Great Wall of China for the conservation area and we do hope to kick-start the project once we get the approval from the state government,” he said during the World Wetlands Day celebration yesterday.
“With the vast number of crocodiles, especially around Sungai Lemidin located nearby KWNP, we believe that this area is suitable to host a sanctuary for the reptiles.”
He said a boat ride to KWNP currently offers sightings of the reptiles along the riverbank.
“We believe that they should be put in a proper area.”
Meanwhile, Sapuan said Sarawak Forestry will form a special committee to oversee the management of KWNP.
“The committee will look to formulate an integrated relationship between the villagers around, government and tourism industry players,” he said.
KWNP is part of the first state mangrove forest reserve covering a total of 6,610ha.
Gazetted as a national park in October 2002, KWNP was later designated a Ramsar site in 2005.